According to the World Health Organization (“WHO”)

“A fall in an event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level.”

Most common fractures due to falls

  • Hip fracture

  • Femur (thigh bone) fracture

  • Pelvic fracture

  • Spine compression fracture                               
  • Humerus (arm bone), forearm bone fracture                                                  
  • Leg and ankle bone fracture

Seniors' Falls in Canada

  • Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians
  • 20-30% seniors experiencing one or more falls each year
  • Falls cause 85% of seniors' injury-related hospitalizations
  • Falls cause 95% of all hip fractures
  • Fifty percent of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home
  • Falls can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, loss of independence and even death
  • Falls cause $2 billion a year in direct healthcare costs
  • Over 1/3 of seniors are admitted to LTC following hospitalization for a fall
  • Injuries due to falls rose 43% between 2003 and 2008
  • Deaths due to falls rose 65% between 2003 and 2008
  • The good news is that falls are preventable and action can be taken by all
  • The average Canadian senior had to stay in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause

Risk Factors

  • Acute health conditions: UTIs, TIAs, constipation, delirium, and dehydration
  • Aging: Causes decreased strength, balance, and reaction time
  • Behaviours: confusion, agitation, wandering, impulsive may increase the risk of falls
  • Chronic diseases: OA/RA, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, MS, HT, CVD, COPDs, Dementia
  • Cognitive impairment: Presence of cognitive disorders, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, STML, delirium
  • Decreased strength and balance: Due to aging
  • History of falls: 3 or more falls in the last 3 months equates to an increased risk for falls
  • Footwear: Improper foot wear may leads to falls risk
  • Incontinence: 2/3 of seniors are incontinence due to the aging process
  • Medications: Sedatives, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Antihypertensive medications, Diuretics, NSAIDs, Vasodilators; all of which can cause side effects including hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, and delirium
  • Vision and hearing deficits: Glaucoma, Cataracts, Macular degeneration
  • Unsteady: Due to aging

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